Pandemic in the U.S.: Or, How We Learn to Stop Worrying and Feel the Bern

Pandemic in the U.S.:  Or, How We Learn to Stop Worrying and Feel the Bern

(an Astrological view of the U.S. storyline within a Global Health Crisis)

By Felina Lune Kavi

Astrological New Year begins with our Sun’s ingress to Tropical Aries, the March Equinox.  Within a chart cast for that moment, in the capitol city of whatever country you live in, one can divine the themes within the year ahead.  I happen to live in the United States so I am reading the themes for this land, in particular.  However, the particular is just in house location (I am using the Placidus House System).  The planets and aspects are reflected worldwide.

My husband, Michael Kavi, made this for me.

The particular is the first thing I noticed when I cast the Equinox chart for Washington D.C.  The houses are aligned with the natal houses of Bernie Sanders!  With this fortunate alignment of houses, we can see how Bernie leads our country from emergency to emergence.  The following storyline awaits us if we rise together and ‘Feel the Bern’ as a ‘Not Me, Us’ call to action.  There are other storylines available, but I quite like this one.  It’s a healing story, after all.  With White Moon-Chiron on my Taurus Ascendant…I love a good healing story.

How We Rise

'Fawkes the Phoenix' by Robin Thibodeau

A Scorpio Ascendant teaches us to rise from the ashes like a Phoenix.  Scorpio is a fixed water sign, where feeling is in focus.  This is insight that penetrates through darkness and into the truth.  It confronts our fears by navigating through them to the medicine of renewal.  Bernie Sanders has been navigating this ‘truth-seeking in the depths’ his whole life.  He knows a thing or two about how to guide us through this journey ahead.

The Ascendant (conjunct Bernie’s Ascendant) is in a beneficial sextile with the ever-present Capricorn Council.  This 2^nd House gathering of Wise Ones in Capricorn is attended by Pallas Athene, Mars, Jupiter, Pluto, Chariklo, and Saturn.  The Saturn-Pluto influence has been strong for a while here.  The two were conjunct in January for the first time since 1982, and the ‘structural transformation’ of this combination was a significant part of our collective story last year…which continues in the year ahead.  But as this new year begins, it is the Mars-Jupiter conjunction that is most activated in this Capricorn Council.  This is the combined wisdom of ‘expanded action’.  It inspires us to provide a substantial mobilization of effort toward sustainability in this time of structural transformation.  Here in the U.S., this Capricorn call to action is in our 2^nd House…a stellium of energy so valuable to us as a resource of objective wisdom. 

So, as we rise from the crisis of this time, we are in good rapport with this Capricorn stellium.  The objective orchestration that this Council of Wise Ones provides is of great value to our country.  We need a leader who is aligned with this opportunity in constructive ways.

Karma and Fate of the Collective Soul

Fate is always part of the Soul Story, and that does not lessen the impact of free will choice.  The two co-create the story…in a kind of call-and-response dance.  Fate can be seen in the axis of the lunar nodes.  In Capricorn, the South Node has been releasing the karma that has come from a patriarchal past which misused our feminine Earth.  The South Node in Saturn’s sign says, ‘Time’s Up’.  It’s the ‘Dragon’s Tail’ where we let go of waste and compost it into wisdom.  With both the South Node and Saturn nearing the end of their journey through Capricorn, it is wise to heed the call of ‘The Time is NOW’.  

What has been destroying our Earth, what has been destroying our systems, what has been destroying our resources, what has been destroying our values…it must be released this year and moved toward sustainability.  With Pholus at the South Node, this is a rapid release of transformation akin to how an Ro2 virus can spread.  As Melanie Reinhart says about Pholus:  ‘small cause, big effect’.

For more about the Pholus energy at the karmic releasing point, read Lorna Bevan’s article.  It's very revealing of how things are being released.

The North Node, which is the ‘Dragon’s Head’, is in Cancer.  This is what we are taking in, what nourishes our Collective Soul’s evolution.  Cancer North Node brings us the medicine of emotional bonding, protection of family, and compassionate care for those in need…especially those most vulnerable.  In a widespread pandemic situation, this points to the parents and caregivers at home taking care of so many kids while schools are closing.  This also points to the nurses and doctors at work to care for the sick.  For all of us, this points to the necessary call to care about protecting each other.  

North Node is uncomfortable for many…some may even feel it as an inconvenience, especially those who have become addicted to the achievement-oriented career mindset of the South Node in Capricorn.  That South Node is in our country’s 2^nd House, after all, so many of us are concerned about finances and scarcity of resources.  North Node is in our country’s 8^th House, the House of transformation and shared resources.  Let’s just say, if you’re hoarding wealth…or toilet paper and hand sanitizer…you might just be contributing to the blockage in this Dragon’s belly.

Sisyphus is conjunct our North Node…and there’s no getting around the Sisyphean feat that is ‘caring for others during a pandemic’.  As Sisyphus found, you can’t cheat Death.  And yet, the ‘try and try again’ of pushing a boulder up a hill endlessly is part of the medicine.  It teaches us something profound, as soon as we can get past the feelings of ‘this is pointless’.  The lesson is about the arrogance of our collective ‘Achievement Addiction’. 

Chiron as the key

And as we begin this New Year, Sun-Chiron in Aries within the Black Moon portal is in a dynamic T-square with our Nodal axis.  The spotlight is on the wound of our Collective Identity.  The necessity to heal this wound can’t be ignored…it is already painfully inflamed throughout the world.  For the U.S., the wound resides in the 4^th House of our roots.  It demands that we address the wound at its roots.  

Let me be clear about this, the wound is NOT the virus…it’s much deeper than that.  It has more to do with our actions (Aries) from our karmic past (South Node) and how we need to actively respond to our future (North Node).  Our ancestral past in this country is full of wounded storylines that carry through generations.  Stressful as it is to carry the Sisyphean boulder of that, we were incarnated in this transformative time to heal those wounds at our root for the future of our descendants.

When we have a T-square…all the stress of the opposition pools at the apex (Sun-Chiron).  To alleviate the stress and address the wound, we look to the opposite part of the chart (Libra).  And there, at the beginning of Libra, is Bernie’s natal Mercury in the 10^th House of Public Contribution.  He has the ideas that provide the balance our country needs for this healing.  He has the voice that continually speaks of the need for justice and equality.  

Even without being president, his ideas and his voice that speaks for the people of this country has already been shifting us in a direction of healing.  The ideas he’s speaking about, they can’t be ignored either (that’s the nature of having something square to the nodes of the Collective Soul).  What he is communicating…it calls out the wound and says ‘this is what we can do about it’.  

And his Mercury in Libra isn’t speaking for himself…Libra is about others.  In the 10^th House, it is highly visible (even as the media continues to downplay it), and it speaks to those things that the public recognizes as important…the social programs we need to fearlessly address the roots of our country’s systemic wounds.  This is the true meaning of Democratic Socialism…don’t get it twisted.

Aiding the flow of the nodes through a sextile opportunity is transiting Uranus in Taurus.  In our country, Uranus is bringing a shock to our bodily health in the 6^th House…awakening us to changes that need to be made in our country’s healthcare system.  And aiding Chiron through a sextile opportunity is transiting Hygiea in Gemini (Goddess of Hygiene and Preventative Health Practices).  In our country, Hygiea is in the 7^th House of Others.  Here, she speaks through the many reminders of others on how to prevent infection…wash your hands, social distancing, stay home if you’re sick, etc.  But she’s also working with the roots of the deeper wound in our collective…applying healing methods to prevent further complications.  Bernie Sanders has his Uranus Retrograde at the beginning of Gemini, conjunct Hygiea’s influence.  He is providing innovative ideas and eye-opening conversations with health professionals and scientists to address prevention and healing. 

The Nature of Panic and the Pandemic

Widespread panic fear often goes hand-in-hand with a viral pandemic, largely because of the uncertainty looming like a fog.  When professionals we think are supposed to have answers don’t have answers, it can be very unsettling.  So when I see mass panic, I look at the nature of Neptune (which rules that nebulous confusion) and the asteroid Pan (named after the God of the Forest whom the word ‘panic’ comes from).  It’s not surprising to me that the two are in a very strong square from Pisces to Gemini.  This combination creates a heady cocktail of panic-stricken reactions to all the confusion, as well as confusion from the panic. 

'The Great God Pan' by Norman Mills Price

Ah, but Pan is a Trickster God…a Sacred Clown in many ways.  The Trickster, too, is a Healer/Teacher…teaching the medicine through its opposite.  Aside from the harshness of this square to Neptune…Pan is actually making some helpful harmonics to other parts of this Equinox chart.  So, what’s the medicine within the panic?  First, let’s talk about where the term ‘Panic Fear’ originates.  

Enter the Sacred Forest, where Pan resides.  Mere mortals are not so aware of our surroundings as we think we are.  Often, we are not paying attention to the Sacred Earth we walk upon or the unseen forces of nature.  

So, Pan plays tricks on us.  He rustles the bushes, calls out scary animal sounds, and gets us running in circles…completely lost from the direction we came in with.  It feels like your head is spinning.  It’s hard to breathe.  You have no idea where you are or which way to go…or even what exactly you're afraid of.  But it’s a terrible feeling…an overwhelming sense of ‘something very bad is lurking very near and about to pounce’. 

And, in the dizzy spin, there is all this electricity from the fear within your body.  It needs a place to ground.  The greatest trick is within the simplicity of that idea.  When we’re in panic mode, we are overcomplicating things.  The simplicity of the medicine of grounding that electricity is what is needed. 

If we stop running in circles and give ourselves time to catch our breath, we may notice that the grounding medicine has been right under our feet all along.  Mother Earth. 

Kick off your shoes…plant your feet on the soothing earth and ground that electricity surging within you into the forest floor.  You see, we tend to forget that Mother Earth is best at transmuting such energies.  Connect with her, this is one of the many things she does for her children. 

In this calming connection, we regain a sense of direction that is aligned with Mother Earth and all her creatures.  We learn the best path forward…one that honors all of life, even in the face of death. 

Pan lets out a hearty laugh, winking at you as you reclaim this earth-centered wisdom.  He dances off into the distance while playing his flute in celebration.  And you, along with more and more of the rest of us, resume the journey in a more guided direction on this Earthwalk.

All of this is to point out the medicine of our Earth.  It is not at all meant to downplay the difficulty of moving through panic and crossing the threshold to calm.  Just because it’s simple doesn’t mean that it’s easy.  But it is possible.  And the simplicity of it is that Mother Earth is there supporting you under every step.  We are never far from her guidance.  But it is an individual choice to connect.

Gaia’s Guidance for the Path Ahead of the U.S.

If Mother Earth could vote, she would vote for Bernie Sanders as president of the United States of America.  He is the only candidate running who truly cares about our Earth and all of us who live here.  He’s not a miracle worker, and he’s not perfect…but he is best aligned with where this country is headed.  Progressive as he is, he is not an anachronism.  He was meant for this time…whether or not he becomes president.  The medicine he was born with is specifically designed for NOW.

And with his most beneficial planet, Jupiter, conjunct with Pan in Gemini now…he has the kind of benevolent guidance we need in a time of panic.  It’s not just the health crisis.  It’s the widespread wave of change washing over us, clearing out the Collective Wound and transforming every crumbling structure that can no longer support us. 

We need a leader with a sound mind and wise counsel.  We need a leader with a humble and unwavering sure-footedness upon the grassroots of our country.  We need a leader who encourages enthusiasm and foresight over panic.  But beyond what we need in a leader…we need this movement.  Movement is how we make the changes that are necessary in the path ahead of us.

Full Moon in Virgo: Form and Function from the Fog

'Lightning Sky at Full Moon' by Marianna Mills

Full Moon in Virgo:  Form and Function from the Fog

Moon opposite Sun- 3/9/2020 @ 12:47pm CDT

The Full Storm Moon carries a reflection of the mystical waters of Pisces, but in an earthy light.  The Virgo expression of the Pisces cycle is one that offers creative solutions to the mystifying journey we’ve been on in the last couple weeks.  The Virgo Full Moon celebrates the Sacred Work we are doing to blossom on this Earth, but it’s more like ‘whistle while we work’ celebration.  Since Moon is near her perigee (closest to Earth), she is one of the Supermoons that happen this year.  When Moon in her fullness is closer to us, we feel her pull strongly.  Illuminating Virgo, this Storm Moon is a time where we feel the pull to clear away some cobwebs from the corners of our homes…and from our minds.

Mercury, the Collective Mind and the ruler of Virgo, stations direct on the same day as this Full Moon.  The Sabian Symbol for Mercury’s direct station in Aquarius is something I mentioned recently in my Mercury post:

'Free Your Mind' by Catrin Welz-Stein

“The Sabian Symbol of this Mercury Station is one of my favorites: ‘a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis’. Here we come to the whole reason our Collective Mind needed to go inward…we needed this time to transform. We may have felt ready to emerge back on Feb. 2…but we had some inner work to do before we were ready. Within the Chrysalis of Transformation, a certain mindset was challenged to dissolve so that a new idea could emerge. During the Pisces part of this process…the ‘imaginal cells’ took over and dissolved past thoughts into some ‘primordial soup’, reconstructing a new expression into being.

It’s not easy to become a Butterfly after living as a Caterpillar…there is a battle within the chrysalis where the Caterpillar fights against the inevitable change. There may also have been a similar battle in your mind with old habits not wanting to die, questioning the new that’s coming in. Whatever this ‘change of mind’ journey was for you personally, you gained some new wings. Now is the time we emerge from this chrysalis and take a moment to pause as we pump the blood into these unfolding wings. Once Mercury starts moving direct again…we fly off and greet the world anew, tasting the sweetness of life from every blossom we encounter, integrating the lesson of this retrograde journey with a fresh perspective.”

And in harmonious, supportive aspects with our luminaries we have the Capricorn Stellium…with Pallas Athene and Jupiter in closest alignment.  Jupiter is the traditional ruler of Pisces, where Sun and Neptune (the modern co-ruler of Pisces) are conjunct now, opposite the Moon.  Both the Mercury rulership and the Jupiter rulership come into play strongly during this time.  Jupiter brings some beneficial light to all the changes we’ve been making this year in Capricorn ways.  And Mercury brings in the idea we will be integrating throughout the waning cycle.  But, Pallas Athene (daughter of Jupiter/Zeus) especially strengthens the Virgo Moon ability to see the patterns of things and create effective strategies.  Support from this asteroid of the Wise Woman is key as she is able to see both the big picture (Jupiter’s view) and the finer details (Mercury’s view) to come up with those creative solutions.  

The Virgo-Pisces axis holds the common thread of service.  In this Full Moon, it is the workers of the world who can most efficiently integrate the changes that are necessary for the path forward.  There is a selflessness of service illuminated that has potential to bring unity with discernment and compassion in balance. 

Of course, some will be more inclined to practice ‘nit-picking through a fog’, which isn’t the most efficient expression of Virgo Moon in Pisces Season.  Virgo, a mutable earth sign, is more efficiently expressed by bringing definition to the functional form emerging from Piscean waters.  We will have some help bringing new ideas into form with both the other earth signs highlighted now (the Capricorn Council and the Venus-Uranus conjunction in Taurus).  It is an excellent time to create something, or organize something that has gone scattered as we’ve confused our priorities. 

The Venus-Uranus conjunction in a sesquiquadrate (135 degree aspect) to this Virgo Moon is a dynamic that will likely bring up something shocking to our value systems.  We are challenged to relate beyond our current irritations in more inventive ways than we’re used to.  With two major shifts in fixed signs (Venus-Uranus in Taurus, then Mercury’s direct station in Aquarius) occurring before and after this Full Moon, we are collectively focused on changing some things that are very resistant to change.  It’s not a time to kick back and keep doing things as we have been.  It’s a time to work with new strategies from a shift in perspective. 

Mercury’s station does allow us to take time to pause though, and appreciate all that is emerging from this recent journey.  Much of the inner work lately has been on the emotional and mental planes.  Now it is time to bring some focus to your mind through some physical (Virgo earth) practice.  You might notice the details becoming clear enough now to understand the path forward.  If you have been feeling some of the confusion or fogginess that the Collective often feels during Pisces season, the Virgo Full Moon is a good time to prioritize what is important and get things in good order before the shift of seasons is upon us.  

'Virgo' from Cyril Rolando's 'Dancing Zodiac'

Love and Gratitude,

Felina Lune Kavi

New Moon in Pisces: Water and Earth Support to Clear the Path

Art by Katia Honour

New Moon in Pisces: Water and Earth Support to Clear the Path

Moon conjunct Sun- 2/23/2020 @ 9:32am CST

The Storm Moon cycle begins just two days before the Pisces Sun-Mercury Interior Conjunction and Capricorn Mars-South Lunar Node Conjunction.  And though New Moons always hold a vibration of seeding your intentions to start the lunar cycle…this one is also working with forces that are working diligently to clear away the past.  In these Dark Moon days before the waxing crescent appears, the call is for thoughtful action as we release what blocks us from taking an unexplored path. 

Supporting each other through harmonious aspects in a pattern known as a Cradle (or a Trapeze), Capricorn Mars-South Node, Pisces Moon-Sun-Mercury, Taurus Uranus, and Cancer North Node are all working with Earth and Water elements.  This is a feminine, receptive cradle…where the action arises from the opposition between the Nodal Axis and Out-of-Bounds, Exalted Mars stirring things up at the South Node.  And though there are easy aspects supporting him, Mars is not likely to go easy on cutting away at what needs to go.  With such a strong and unconventional Mars at the South Node, it is more likely that many of us will be feeling the heightened urge to purge whatever has been gumming up the works on our Soul Path.  This is happening collectively, but it also inclines us to individually say ‘Time’s Up’ to something in our lives.  The releases within this time are necessary for the new ideas to come in. 

With such emphasis on the elements of Water and Earth now, we are working through the emotional realm as well as the material realm.  But with the nodes involved in the action, it is guided by our Collective Soul needs.  Here’s a list of all these forces at play in this New Moon Cradle:

Water:

North Lunar Node in Cancer- What the Collective Soul needs to take in to evolve…a need for compassionate care, emotional bonding, and intuitive response.

Moon-Sun in Pisces- The Collective Intent to bring disparate parts into wholeness.

Mercury Retrograde in Pisces- The Collective Mind releasing past dreams of an old cycle to shift perspective to new neural pathways.

Earth:

Mars-South Lunar Node in Capricorn- the increased desire to release what the Collective Soul no longer needs…a powerful severance from past patriarchal actions of constriction and supremacy over Earth.

Uranus in Taurus- Revelations and innovations in the material realm…bringing the Higher Mind down to Earth to make sudden and revolutionary changes in our relationship with Earth and her resources. 

So all together, the activity of this New Storm Moon may feel a bit unsettling, rebellious, precarious, or even dangerous…there is a safety net from the Pisces-Taurus sextile.  It allows us to be creative and innovative in our approach.  All of the planets involved, after all, currently have an air of going against the grain of what we’re used to.  This is an excellent time to try something new and say goodbye to some old ways of thinking and acting.

The Sabian Symbol highlighted by our luminaries is Pisces 5: ‘a church bazaar’.  The Way of Pisces is one of integration and fusion.  As mentioned above, this mutable water sign inclines the fusing together of seemingly different things to create a rather mystical cohesion.  Like the boundless sea, Pisces is the energy of ‘All is One’.  In this degree the group comes together, in a spirit of support and exchange, to find some meaning in a collection of varied items.  We see in this image the water/earth combination of bonding through the material experience.  There is a social element in this New Moon, as there often is when sextile aspects are predominant.  It is about establishing good rapport with helpful others…and making new associations that you might otherwise not take the opportunity to meet. 

Love and Gratitude,

Felina Lune Kavi

Full Moon in Leo: Awakening Courage

'Lion' by Susan Seddon Boulet

Full Moon in Leo:  Awakening Courage

Moon opposite Sun- 2/9/2020 @ 1:33am CST

Welcome to the Full Quickening Moon!  This Moon is full of dedicated strength to heart-centered expression.  The Aquarius season can get pretty chilly where I live, and this Full Moon in Leo always brings some warmth from her fire.  Moon in Leo can be a very creative influence, often reflecting a boost of courage to fuel our heart’s desire. 

Photo by my husband, Michael Kavi

'Hades and Persephone' by Sandara

Sun is conjunct Persephone while opposing this Moon, so the luminaries are illuminating themes of change (of seasons, of life, of heart) as well as the Heroine’s Journey of empowerment through the Queen of the Underworld.  At this time of year, Persephone is either preparing to leave the Underworld to reunite with her mother for half a year (Northern Hemisphere quickening to Spring) or preparing to leave her mother to reunite with her husband in the Underworld for half a year (Southern Hemisphere quickening to Autumn).  In either case, Persephone prepares her heart for the changes she must make, leaving one life behind for another.  We, too, may be feeling this shifting in our life.  Persephone teaches the courage it takes to make meaningful choices in the turning points of our lives.

Art by Pamela Matthews

At the apex of a T-square to Leo Moon and Aquarius Sun-Persephone is Vesta in Taurus (Priestess of the Sacred Flame, Goddess of Hearth and Home).  This activates the kind of dedication needed to create necessary change and see it through daily, just as the priestess tends to the communal hearth fire.  The apex of a T-square pools a lot of focus…which is a word related to Vesta, as focus is Latin for ‘Hearth’.  This is also a fixed T-square…bringing that focus to the fixed earth of Taurus.  Taurus tends to put great focus into that which is productive and tangible to the senses.  Vesta’s dedication in Taurus is deliberate, dependable, and steady…even under the stress of a Full Moon T-square that demands some necessary action.  Tap into Taurus Vesta’s ability to bring a focus to earthly growth in your life.  What is unfolding in this Full Moon can be quite beautiful.

At this time, there is also an opposition from Eris in Aries to Juno in Libra (which just stationed retrograde before this Full Moon).  This opposition from the Goddess of Discord to the Goddess of Committed Partnership may bring up some opposing feelings within our primary relationships, but the thread that links the two archetypes is one of feminine empowerment (which is a prevalent theme during this time).  Eris is a Warrioress who always has a purpose for what she does, and when her purpose is in any way disrespected…you can bet that chaos will ensue.  In Aries, her purpose has to do with self-reliance and integrity…so it is when we ignore such things that we may feel the heat of her chaotic nature.  Juno is committed to her role as Queen of the Heavens, the Bona Dea (‘Good Goddess’).  She is also committed to her husband…though in their mythic storyline, he is not as committed to her.  Each breach upon that marital commitment inspires her wrath…a quality that she and Eris share (disrespect our best efforts to be who we are meant to be, and there will be retaliation).  You may feel similar feelings if slighted in some way.  Though hopefully you won’t let the spirit of retaliation run amok!

For those of us who grew up watching 'Hocus Pocus'...

So, wrath or chaos may ensue on the world stage when things are out of integrity or balance isn’t maintained in relationships.  However, this is not the full expression of this vibration…only a possible side-effect if we let our hurt feelings turn vengeful.  The beauty of this opposition is highlighted by beneficial aspects (trines and sextiles) to our luminaries now.  Moon, Sun-Persephone, Eris, and Juno Rx create an aspect pattern called a Mystic Rectangle…which provides creative opportunities to balance these oppositions and bring out the best of each energy in mutually beneficial ways.  Again, empowerment is key…and there will be opportunity in this Full Moon to do something empowering and purposeful. 

So, in this time, awaken the courage and strength within your heart.  Express yourself with integrity, purpose, commitment, dedication, and the ability to transform yourself from one state of being to another.  Leo Full Moon light illuminates the spirit of enjoyment and celebration of life.  It is best met with an understanding that your own courage to be yourself encourages others to do the same.  That is the stuff that inspires true leaders to step forth when needed. 

Luna Lovegood (very Aquarian) wearing her Lion hat (very Leo)
in support of Gryffindor from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

Love and Gratitude,

Felina Lune Kavi

New Moon in Aquarius: The Quickening to Imbolc

New Moon in Aquarius: The Quickening to Imbolc

Moon conjunct Sun- 1/24/20 @ 3:42pm CST

Welcome to the Quickening Moon of 2020, the 1^st New Moon of this year. During this lunar cycle, we experience a ‘quickening’ or acceleration which refers to the underground first stirrings of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere (such as the first births of lambs, where the Cross-Quarter Holiday of Imbolc got its name)...or the first acceleration toward Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. We are still immersed in Winter here (or Summer for our Southern Hemisphere friends), but we are beginning to feel the first signs of the changes soon to come...and we usher them in.

This Quickening Moon commences while all planets are in direct motion this year. Since Uranus stationed direct on January 10^th, we have been experiencing more forward momentum in our world...even as some of us are still in the ‘freeze’ of Winter. This All Planets Direct (APD) time lasts until Mercury stations retrograde on February 16^th. So, in this New Moon, we are planting seed-intentions that have an acceleration of this Quickening magic stirring within them.

The New Moon in Aquarius is in a square (dynamic 90 degree aspect which inspires necessary change) with Uranus in Taurus (the planet of sudden changes, surprises, awakening, and innovation). Uranus is the modern ruler of Aquarius, so this square is a prevalent vibration at this time. Aquarius and Taurus are fixed signs of Air (mind) and Earth (matter)...and the two energies can be very set in their own ways, clashing against each other while in a square. Aquarius wants authenticity, while Taurus wants something reliable...but the change needed now has to do with stirring up something that is both of those things. After all, the two ideas are not mutually exclusive. But there may be some initial struggle to understanding what it is that we need now that includes both characteristics. In that case, open yourself up to the possibilities coming through now. Allow for the awakening of your potential as you set forth through this lunar cycle. You may be surprised by what is revealed.

This New Moon is also in a sextile (beneficial aspect of 60 degrees which allows for subtle opportunities for harmony) with Chiron in Aries (the ‘Cosmic Shaman’). The teacher/healer archetype may present itself to you at this time in subtle ways, encouraging you to share your gifts in healing ways. If you pick up on these subtle opportunities, move forward in that direction your are being guided. There is a lot of support from Ancestors in this lunar initiation. They are always with us, but sometimes we forget that we have the opportunity to call on them when we need. They may be sending us signals in this time so that we may better connect with their guidance.

Art by Susan Seddon Boulet

Moon and Sun in Aquarius 5

Sabian Symbol- ‘a council of ancestors’

'Lightworker' by Alex Grey

The ancestral support of this New Moon may at first feel like electricity running through our bodies, needing to ground (the effect from Uranus and Saturn being co-rulers of Aquarius, and Uranus being particularly strong at this time). Chiron, which orbits between Saturn and Uranus, is the bridge between the limits of what we can easily see (Saturn) and breakthroughs into realms of the often unseen (Uranus). So Chiron acts as a conduit (or ‘the hollow bone’ in Shamanic terms) between our physical (ordinary) reality and our metaphysical (extraordinary) reality. Chiron’s key to healing at this time comes from grounding that electric charge we feel in our bodies from our ancestors into our physical reality. When a healer is awakened by their ancestors...there is often an initial discomfort from this charge within the body. It can at first feel like anxiety or dis-ease. The healer often learns to ground by connecting with the ancestors of their blood and bones...grounding that electricity of the call by dancing upon our Earth.

Of course, this story is about the guidance to ground your current ancestral calling...and does not have to be taken so literally. What does ‘dancing that call upon our Earth’ mean to you? Modern as we are in this age, an integral part of who we are is built upon the foundations of those who came before us. What did they do when they felt their own Quickenings? Ask them.

Though everything you are feeling may feel new, it is part of a well-trodden path that those before you remember through you. Some may have been grateful for their own choices, some may have been regretful. The Council of Ancestors that lives in you is guiding you to best possible outcomes...as each descendant holds potential as we continue the ancestral story.

In Aquarius, our Humanity is awakened to inspire our world forward. This energy creates networks of unique individuals inspired toward common goals. Whatever seed you are planting for this lunar cycle, may it be one that honors the past by contributing to our future.

For those of us that celebrate Imbolc (usually on Feb. 1st or Feb. 2nd, although the actual cross-quarter where Sun reaches the mid-point of Aquarius is on Feb. 4th this year), may Brigid's blessings be upon those inspirations stirring within.  Or perhaps it is Groundhog Day you observe in that time...a weather divination holiday that mirrors my own ancestors stories of the Cailleach (the Winter Witch).  As the story goes, the Cailleach comes out of her cave at this time to either do more winter work (if the skies are clear and sunny on Imbolc) or go back to sleep and allow Spring to return without Winter's extension (if the skies are overcast).  Interesting the magic kept alive in new ways these days that is rooted in the practices of those that came before us.  Also interesting that Mars is in Sagittarius 15 for this New Moon...the Sabian Symbol is 'a groundhog looking for its shadow'.  

Love and Gratitude,

Felina Lune Kavi

Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Cancer: Into the Watery Womb

Full Moon/Penumbral Lunar Eclipse in Cancer: Into the Watery Womb

Moon opposite Sun- 1/10/2020 @ 1:21pm CST

There are so many dynamics thrown into this Eclipse Cauldron that’s been brewing since Dec. 25^th...and the contents, worldwide, have been so volatile that the water has been bubbling over the edge. The larger scene is of unrest, aggressive destruction, emotional turbulence...and whole countries are ‘fired up’ (unfortunately, even literally). How can we possibly transmute this raging brew of energies into a medicinal elixir for our world?

'Womb of Universe' (Artist Unknown)

Enter the watery womb. This Full Moon in her home sign of Cancer is a powerful reflection of Creatrix energy, strongly linked to the lunar cycles of the Feminine Mysteries. This Cardinal Water sign holds the wisdom of generation and regeneration...the way of carrying a seed into life with loving care. It is protective, as our women’s wombs are...and acts on the emotional instinct to nourish those in need. She is water, and she can take any form of water that is necessary to protect life. She is the global intention ceremonies shared as prayers for Australia...where we transform tears for the lives lost into rainfall. She is the calls for compassion and peace in response to the inflammation of war-mongering behavior. She is even the loving bonds shared between one understanding person and another. She is everywhere, guiding us toward cooling the contents of this Eclipse Cauldron to extract the medicine within.

Not everyone will be so attuned to the Divine Mother’s guidance...but the opportunity is there for anyone. There is an almost imperceptible shadow from our Earth upon this Moon...but even the hint of our shadow can incline some fear-based reaction. While we are tuning into the wisdom of the womb, others will still be drumming up the shadows of this Eclipse Season. However, the more we respond with love...the more the fear dissipates.

We know this. It is not new information. It is as ancient as the Divine Creatrix herself. Yet this call to compassionate response resonates as the strongest medicine in these changing times.

Reflections on the Capricorn Confluence of the Current Kairos

'Capricorn' by Kirk Reinert

I was born in 1982, the last time Saturn was conjunct Pluto (in Libra). Now as Saturn and Pluto approach their conjunction in Capricorn, my generation is definitely feeling the call to respond in ways that will alleviate the tension we feel inside and the tension we see outside. Our Saturn-Pluto in Libra inclinations are to transform the way we relate with each other with balance and fairness.  And now we are relating that inclination to the structural changes currently necessary in the world. We’re not the only Pluto generation at work here (we’re all feeling a transformative call in some way), but it’s not one this Libra generation can ignore. It speaks within us loudly, saying ‘the time is now’.

And what it is time for is also particular to each of us...but it is all for the same purpose: transforming the structures that are not working into more sustainable structures for our lives. That’s essentially the point of what we’re all feeling...no matter when you were born or where you live.

The International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers
www.grandmotherscouncil.org

Capricorn Medicine finds what works from what hasn’t worked. It’s why this sign holds so much energy of tradition and history to it. Understanding precedents allows us to better model our future actions, as my high school history teacher would say. This is Capricorn, wise about the roots of our past so we can provide something enduring for future generations. This is Cardinal Earth, Grandmother energy. The Council of Grandmothers has been the most resonant, collective voice of our time...sung like a sacred chant by the spheres in our Sky. Can you hear their call, set to rhythmic drumming? I distinctly hear the song of our next generations in the voices of our elders. There are lyrics of caution, as well as lyrics of triumph.

Just hours before this Full Moon, Sun and Mercury meet in Capricorn for their Exterior Conjunction (9:18am CST). This means the idea that grew from a thought-seed on 11/11 last year is in full bloom. It began in the watery depths of Scorpio and has grown through the visionary fires of Sagittarius into the tangible earth of Capricorn. In this, we have the power to manifest what this Capricorn message needs to be. Each of us responds to this energy in our own ways, with our own ideas, but there is also a Collective message we will share together. It is one of great importance to our next generations of life on Earth.

And two days from this Full Moon, on the 12^th, is the exaction of this Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn that we have been feeling for months now. We will continue to feel it throughout most of this year because this is a long-lasting transit. It’s not just a day of influence...though we’re in the thick of it this month...it’s a process that takes some time. The lesson here is a thorough one, because we have a lot of buried history to unearth, transform, and release.

It is not just Sun, Mercury, Saturn, and Pluto in this Capricorn Council this weekend. They are also joined by Ceres (Earth Mother, Goddess of Agriculture) and Chariklo (Chiron’s wife, who holds loving space for the healing process of old wounds). All of these forces combining in the last decan of Capricorn communicate an important message from our ancestors and descendants about the necessary transformations we are here for in this time.

Saturn, the strongest influence in this Capricorn Council, teaches what we need to scale down or stop altogether and the hard work we need to put in for sturdy foundations. Pluto, who has been transforming Capricorn energy out of its patriarchal hold and into its feminine root wisdom since 2008, brings to the surface our subconscious fixations of the darker side of Capricorn that are being forced into a death/rebirth process. Sun illuminates this all in our consciousness and fuels the large-scale changes this season. Mercury gives voice to the underlying message of these changing times. Ceres responds with what is needed to nurture our next generations, even if that means withholding abundance in the present. And Chariklo is dedicated to helping us through this long, painful healing process we’ve been going through.

'La Discordia' bronze inkwell from Italy

It is important to note that this Capricorn Confluence is being squared by Eris in Aries (Warrior Goddess of Strife, Discord, and Chaos), and so she is at the apex of a T-square with our luminaries during this eclipse. The square is a dynamic aspect of 90 degrees which stresses the need for change. All of this tension pools at the apex right now (Eris) to demand that change through some discord. These necessary changes that Eris pitches into the party (like the ‘Apple of Discord’ in her mythic storyline) at first appear to be chaos, but they are very purposeful. The purpose is to protect those who are not being seen, heard, or appreciated.

Though we’ve been in it for a while, this is very much the turning point this week. It is a large part of why there is so much discontent, so much unrest, and so many crises all over the world now. We’re in that phase within the Chrysalis of Transformation where the imaginal cells begin to take over and dissolve what was once the Collective Caterpillar to form something unrecognizable and new. It is not an easy process...our former existence has been fighting this inevitable change all along. But in the turning point, we shift toward re-building and re-birthing something drastically new from the old. Bringing things to birth is the way of the Cancer Full Moon. And because of the eclipse, what we are birthing now will have a lasting effect.

Uranus Stations Direct

Throughout the day, Uranus will be stationed and have a potent influence on us too. Several hours after the Full Moon, Uranus’s retrograde will end (7:49pm CST) and direct motion will gradually commence. When any planet stations, the themes of that planet are more prevalent. And since Uranus is an outer planet, the themes carry out for a few days before and a few days after.

Uranus Stations bring up shocks, surprises, and disruptions to the status quo. The energy is electric and means to make some innovative changes in the world. Underlying this energy is a need for freedom and liberation...so any tight constraints or set backs tend to be met with a force that breaks through barriers. It is an interesting combination...considering Saturn (the planet of traditions and restriction, and the constructs of time) is potent right now too. I see this as a catalyst for breaking through the limiting karma of our collective past, and innovating for the future.

'Gaia' by Minjae Lee

Since Uranus is in the earth sign of Taurus, much of this is focused on sudden changes with Mother Earth herself, and our response to her. With so much energy in Taurus and Capricorn earth signs right now, there is no doubt about the root that needs addressed. At the very root of all these energies and these large-scale changes that are happening globally as well as individually, is the need to re-connect with our Mother Earth. For far too long, humanity has been a collective force of destruction upon her. And yet, she holds the key to the sustainability of our next generations. All of these planets in earth signs are calling for a more nurturing, healing, and sustainable way of life...and so the planetary change-agents (Uranus, Pluto, and Eris) are amplifying the call to make some drastic changes. We are here at this time to address the chaos by breaking from what was previously about comfort and convenience.

The Individual Call

Art by Susan Seddon Boulet

What changes are happening in your life right now? Some of them will be beyond your control, but with a purpose for your soul’s journey. Some of them will be of your own choosing, but likely backed with a feeling of necessity. Saturn-Pluto is a powerful combination of forces which has been breaking down worn-out patterns and structures in our lives for months now...making us look to what fixations are damaging and need to go.

It is important to remember that while each of us feels the collective pulse of what these transits signify for our world...we also have different natal energies interacting with this energy. Which natal houses these planets are transiting through, and what aspects they make with our own planets, has a lot to do with how it shows up in your own life. If you would like to know more about what all of it means for you...you can always research these things for yourself or you can ask an Astrologer (there are many of us all over the world and we’re always happy to help as many people as we can)!

Wishing you all a happy Full Moon and many blessings throughout 2020!

Love and Gratitude,

Felina Lune Kavi